Property and Evidence

The primary purpose of the Property and Evidence Unit is to provide for the secure storage of all property that is in the custody of the police department until such a time that it is needed for analysis, court, or authorized for final disposal.

The Evidence Technician's primary assignment is to maintain the chain of custody. Property shall be properly stored to prevent loss, alteration, cross-contamination, and access by others.

Return of Property

An appointment is needed for the return of property. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling  (503) 534-5694.

Photo identification is required. Parents may pick up property for minor children. If you are unable to retrieve your property in person, you may provide a notarized permission letter to your representative to claim your property.

Property that cannot be returned to an owner or is unclaimed may be destroyed, donated, or auctioned. Items that are sent for auction can be found at the auction site www.PropertyRoom.com.

Found or Unclaimed Property

Found property with no owner listed is held for 90 days. A property finder may be eligible to file a finder’s claim. Contact the Property and Evidence Unit for more information.

If you have lost property, you can contact the Property and Evidence Unit to inquire if it has been recovered. A description of the item, the circumstances of the loss, and proof of ownership may be required.

Safekeeping / Prisoner Property

Property taken for Safekeeping/Prisoner Property is held for 90 days before it is disposed of.

Evidence

Property taken as evidence or recovered stolen property will not be returned until the case has been adjudicated, or it is authorized for release by the prosecuting attorney, or by the Case Officer or Detective.

Weapons

Weapons taken for Safekeeping will be held for 30 days before they are eligible to be returned. Prior to the return of any weapon, a criminal background check will be conducted. If you are not the original owner, proof of ownership is required. Ammunition is not returned on the same day as a weapon. An additional appointment is required for the return of ammunition.

Ammunition

LOPD will not accept ammunition turned in for destruction. Anyone wishing to turn in ammunition for destruction may take it to Metro Recycling

Metro's household hazardous waste facilities will accept ammunition under .50 caliber from households. If you have questions, you can contact the recycling information center at (503) 234-3000. If you decide to take ammunition to Metro, bring it in a separate container, such as a bucket. Never leave ammunition unattended in your vehicle.

Disposition of Abandoned Property (LOC 14.04.140 and ORS 98.245)

(04/12/2023) The Lake Oswego Police Department has in its physical possession the unclaimed personal property described below.  If you have any interest in any of this unclaimed property, you must file a claim with the Lake Oswego Police Department within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice, or you will lose your interest in that property.  In order to establish with reasonable certainty that the person claiming the property is the owner, sufficient description of the property must be presented.

• Bicycles
• Cell phones
• Tools
• Watches/Jewelry
• Personal Electronics/Computers
• Money
• Sporting Goods
• Keys
• Backpacks/luggage
• Purses/Wallets
• Clothes and accessories
• Firearms

Please contact:

Drug Take-Back Events

LOPD participates twice a year in the National Drug Take Back Event in conjunction with the DEA. The Saturday Drug Take Back Events are held twice a year, in April and October. Check the city's website for specific dates and times. You can also follow us on social media to watch for announcements of these events. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.